The Jewish Federation of Rockland County held successful pre-Passover programs that educated participants on the history and traditions behind the Festival of Freedom.

On March 17, Federation held a Passover Morning of Learning for adults at Fountainview at College Road, which was attended by over 50 students. Instructor Sharon Halper discussed new texts for Seder in her “Table Tune Up” class, designed to refresh what is read and discussed at the Seder table. Rabbi Adam Baldachin spoke to his class about the Second Plague and what really may have concerned the Egyptians about the appearance of frogs so many years ago. Rabbi Jill Hackell’s class, “Playing with White Fire” taught students a new and creative way of interacting with the Torah text, and Rabbi Craig Scheff brought the four children of the Passover Seder to life in his class, “The Four Children Within.”

According to Roberta Seitzman, Director of Adult Education at Rockland Federation, “Year after year, our Passover Morning of Learning is well received by the community. People appreciate learning something new about Passover and thinking about the holiday in different ways.”

The Jewish Federation of Rockland’s PJ Library taught a younger set about Passover at a puppet show held at The Nyack Library on April 1. Puppeteer Jennifer Levine captivated a room full of children and parents with her fun and interactive Passover puppet show, and children from the audience acted out the story of the journey from slavery to freedom.  Children at the event enjoyed Passover crafts as well.

Federation’s educational programs for adults and children are held year-round. Visit our PJ Library page for more information on our child-focused programs, and our Adult Education page for more information on adult Jewish learning opportunities.